Becoming a Lorry Driver: How to Get Your HGV Licence
Are you interested in becoming a driver of heavy goods vehicles? Currently, there is a shortage of HGV drivers in the UK, with about 100,000 needed. As such, HGV drivers are well and truly in demand, but you might be asking how to get a HGV licence. This article will discuss how to get a HGV licence yourself, the categories to choose from, and other aspects of the profession.
How to get a provisional HGV licence?
First, in order to get a provisional HGV licence, you will need to be over 18 and have a full car licence already. Next, choose the category of HGV licence depending on the type of vehicle you want to drive. These categories are:
- C1 — This licence allows you to drive light goods vehicles between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes plus a trailer up to 750 kg.
- C — This licence allows you to drive heavier trucks between 7.5 and 32 tonnes, plus a trailer up to 750 kg.
- C+E — This licence allows you to drive any truck over 3.5 tonnes with a trailer over 750 kg.
Then, fill in the appropriate D2 and D4 forms from the DVLA. The D2 form is the application for your licence, while the D4 is for your medical assessment. You will need to complete a medical assessment for your HGV licence, particularly if you have any issues with eyesight, diabetes or any other underlying conditions. Once both forms are complete, send them to the DVLA and you should receive your provisional licence within three weeks.
Applying for the CPC Test
The next step in how to get your HGV licence is by applying for the CPC test. The four steps of this test and their costs include:
- Theory — Multiple choice (£26) and hazard perception (£11).
- Case Studies (£23)
- Driving Ability (£115)
- Practical Demonstration (£55)
The total cost for applying for the CPC test is £230. If you fail any of these tests, you can immediately reschedule another. If you pass, you will receive a Driver CPC card, which you will need to display whenever you are driving as part of your job.
Below are the four parts of this test in detail.
Part One: Theory
This involves a multiple choice test of 100 questions, lasting 1 hour and 55 minutes. You will need to get 85 questions correct to pass. The next part of the test is hazard perception. This requires you to watch 19 videos and identify the 20 developing hazards in each. To pass this test you will need to correctly spot 67 developing hazards. You can opt to take these tests on the same day or different days within a two-year period. Once you pass both, you will receive a certificate valid for two years that will allow you to book the driving ability part of the test.
Part Two: Case Studies
This involves looking at seven case studies based on situations you are likely to encounter while driving an HGV. The test lasts 1 hour and 15 minutes and features six to eight multiple choice questions per case study. You will need to get 40 questions correct to pass. Once you pass, you will receive a letter with a reference number valid for two years that will allow you to book the practical demonstration part of the test.
Part Three: Driving Ability
This test involves using an HGV for a series of exercises for 1 hour and 30 minutes. First, you will be asked to demonstrate your knowledge of vehicle safety through a series of questions. The practical road driving portion of the test allows you to demonstrate how you control the vehicle, your awareness of other road vehicles, how you handle hazards, and so on. There will also be a series of off-road exercises testing your manoeuvrability. You will need to have 15 or fewer faults in order to pass.
Part Four: Practical Demonstration
This involves testing your use of an HGV vehicle in various situations. These include loading the vehicle safely, checking the vehicle for risks, assessing emergency situations and being aware of undocumented migrant trafficking situations. Each of the five topics will have a series of questions totalling 20 points. You will need to score 15 points in each section and 80 overall to pass.
NxtGen Driving Academy
Now that you know how to get a HGV licence, why not book in with us for your first lesson? Contact us today to book your HGV driver training.
